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Basement toilets don’t always need a pump. However, it is the most common setup because plumbing systems use gravity to move waste away from the home. Basement toilets often sit below the home’s main sewage system, and installing a sewage ejector pump pushes the wastewater and sewage up to the main sewer line. Alternatively, you can use an upflush or macerator toilet that breaks down the waste and pushes it straight to the main sewer line rather than via a sewer line from the bathroom.

Yes, and no. Your shower, toilet, and sink all connect to the same main drain, but the secondary drains going from each fixture to the main drain are usually separate. This isn’t always the case—especially in older homes—but since toilets contain black water and showers, tubs, and sinks have grey water, toilets are more regulated and come at a greater risk of contamination. It’s best to keep these drains separate using individual waste collection for this reason.

For best results, you should remove the toilet in a bathroom before removing tile or installing new tile. If you don’t remove the toilet, it will be harder to fully waterproof the tile around the toilet, which could increase the risk of mold growth or plumbing leaks. If you have trouble removing the toilet, hire a plumber to help.

There are several ways to save money on a bathroom remodel through proper planning and savvy design strategies. To reduce costs, consider the following:

• Purchase your own materials: Buy your own bathroom fixtures, hardware, and other materials to avoid contractor upcharges and delivery fees.

• Shop smart for big-ticket items: Save on pricey items like tiles and tubs by shopping sales and at discount stores.

• Avoid major layout changes: Keep plumbing in its current location. Opt to replace fixtures rather than moving them to avoid significant renovation work.

• Focus on high-impact, low-cost updates: Make affordable but impactful smaller changes, such as upgrading hardware, installing new lighting, and adding stylish but economical accessories.

• DIY where possible: Handle easier parts of the remodel yourself, like painting or installing light fixtures, to save on labor costs.

• Time your remodel strategically: Consider remodeling in the spring, which tends to be a lower-demand time of year and may result in lower costs.